Character Photography Policies

[TrainsOfDisney]

I’ve got a few questions about policies with character photography in the parks.

1. At Dino land on the last day I was walking around and saw Dino-Donald out taking photos. I stopped to admire. A family next to me was taking photos - a CM approached the family and said in a bit of a rude tone “do you know the people you are taking photos of?”

Here’s the thing…. I get it. It’s weird to take photos of other people and REALLY weird if kids are involved. But what is the actual policy? Are Disney CM’s supposed to get involved? Donald is out there in public.

While I was having my last Dino meal - tons of Disney fans were taking photos and I’m sure I’m included in many of them - chowing down on my veggie burger and fries. What’s different about posing with a character outside the restaurant?

2. I actually don’t know the answer to this - during Covid times they told CM’s they couldn’t take photos for guests anymore at character spots, etc. - is this still the policy?

3. In Japan, which is supposed to be the best Disney park ever - I’m told they are very very strict about photos with characters and only allow one guest per party to have a camera out. Why? That makes no sense - but maybe I don’t understand the reason?

 

[Figments Friend]

Something similar happened to me a couple of years ago at Disneyland Resort in CA.

I attended the Oogie Boogie Bash, and they had an event specific character greeting opportunity featuring Minnie and friends dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from ‘Hocus Pocus’.
I wanted to try to get a quick photo of just them in their witchy costumes as they looked so great that night.

So I stood off to the side, waiting for a moment when no Guests were with them.
I didn’t feel a need to get in the line to meet them, as I was just wanting a quick snapshot of the three characters from a distance.
So I was just standing there, surrounded by several people just wandering around, out of everyone’s way.
I was waiting to try to time the shot so no Guests were with the characters, or in the shot.

Within moments, while I was waiting for the Guests to depart from the characters, a CM came up and was asking if I knew these people , etc.
Before I could explain myself, and my intent, I was basically ‘shooed away’ which I found odd, but I left regardless.

Didn’t get the shot….but by that point my enthusiasm was a bit dampened.


-

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I’d also add that family photos are constantly being added to my Disney app after I ride rides. Not just the obvious family in front of or behind me in the same vehicle - but often totally random ride vehicles that I wasn’t even in! (I’m assuming the vehicle before or after mine).

 

[drizgirl]

I've been asked before if a person taking photos around us was with our party. When I said no, the CM would just nonchalantly stand in front of the person's camera.

I've seen them sort of gatekeep photography around a character meet and greet many many times through the years, going back some time. As a parent, I've always appreciated it. Nobody should be taking photos of others in the park with strangers as the subject of their photo. This is very different from someone just inadvertently showing up in the background of someone else's shot.

It's a shame they don't allow for a random shot of the character between guests though. There shouldn't be an issue with that. The only thing I can think is that they are trying to keep the line moving and don't want others slowing them down.

 

[mergatroid]

I’ve got a few questions about policies with character photography in the parks.

1. At Dino land on the last day I was walking around and saw Dino-Donald out taking photos. I stopped to admire. A family next to me was taking photos - a CM approached the family and said in a bit of a rude tone “do you know the people you are taking photos of?”

Here’s the thing…. I get it. It’s weird to take photos of other people and REALLY weird if kids are involved. But what is the actual policy? Are Disney CM’s supposed to get involved? Donald is out there in public.

While I was having my last Dino meal - tons of Disney fans were taking photos and I’m sure I’m included in many of them - chowing down on my veggie burger and fries. What’s different about posing with a character outside the restaurant?

2. I actually don’t know the answer to this - during Covid times they told CM’s they couldn’t take photos for guests anymore at character spots, etc. - is this still the policy?

3. In Japan, which is supposed to be the best Disney park ever - I’m told they are very very strict about photos with characters and only allow one guest per party to have a camera out. Why? That makes no sense - but maybe I don’t understand the reason?

I did a thread years ago around 5 years ago (not criticising you, just saying) when the Gaston character actually approached a guest himself to pretty much chastise her for videoing him with families she didn't know at a meet and great. Here's the video




It made an interesting discussion about the wrongs and rights both morally and legally about photographing others. Personally whilst I find it a bit weird to take pictures of strangers and understand that it might make them feel uncomfortable, I also feel some obsess over what people will or can do with photos of their kids with characters? I get their feeling uncomfortable and for that reason along with the fact that why would I want pictures of strangers would stop me doing it personally. As to this obsession about what people can do with the pictures, that's more in the minds of the parents than a reality that's dangerous?

I mean I highly doubt that there's a criminal enterprise out there where you can order kids to be kidnapped from pictures taken from Disney. Also if your family are in witness protection or your psychotic ex is trying to take your kids, then taking them to Disney to meet characters in an open air photoshoot isn't the best idea. As for a stranger having pictures of your kids, there's cameras everywhere these days and there's multiple ways of people seeing kids if that's what they're into sadly. Just go onto any Disney vlog and there's hundreds of strangers forever immortalised on those videos without their permission, or watch the news when a reporter is stood on a street with people walking by. You don't control that and accept that as part and parcel of being out in public so there's little difference if weirdos want to see kids online.

Again I get that people may feel uncomfortable about it and for that reason alone I feel that people should stray away from doing it just to be polite to others, however I do feel this feeling of uncomfortableness is almost certainly misplaced as there's next to no danger in it in reality.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

1. Entering a theme park = being in strangers' photos.
We are also 100% photographed by Disney. Many times.
WDW allows vloggers. Vloggers do not ask permission. They make money off of what they post.

Disney has this covered in the legalese they provide when we buy a park ticket or make a room/dining reservation.

It isn't weird to take a passing photo of a character. Characters are there to be photographed. It is no different than taking a photo of the castle, Epcot's topiaries, etc.

Getting an individual photo with WDW's many roaming characters isn't possible. Parkgoers compulsively pull out their phones to capture the moment.



2. CM's will now take photos with your camera/phone at WDW.